Watch Rasbhari (4K UHD)

Rasbhari is a drama series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2019. The show stars Swara Bhasker in the titular role of a seductive and mysterious woman named Shanu, also known as Rasbhari, who captures the attention of the entire male population in the small town of Meerut, India. Ayushmaan Saxena plays the role of Nand Kishore, a shy 16-year-old boy who becomes infatuated with Shanu and begins to explore his own sexuality.

The story takes place in the conservative town of Meerut, which is known for its strict moral values and adherence to traditional customs. The people of the town are deeply religious and believe in upholding the sanctity of marriage and family. But their values are challenged when Shanu, a beautiful and confident woman, arrives in town and starts a teaching job at the local school. The men in town are immediately drawn to her and begin to fantasize about her, while the women of the town regard her with suspicion and envy.

Nand Kishore is one of the boys who become fascinated with Shanu and is quickly drawn into her web of seduction. Despite his young age, Nand is sexually curious and begins to explore his desires, which are both fueled and confused by his interactions with Shanu. As he tries to navigate the complexities of his newfound sexuality, he also has to contend with the disapproval and judgment of those around him.

As the series progresses, we see the various ways in which Shanu's presence disrupts the social order of the town. The men begin to neglect their wives and families, spending all their time and money on Shanu. The women, on the other hand, are jealous of her beauty and freedom, and become increasingly hostile towards her. Nand's own family is also affected, as his mother worries about his growing fascination with Shanu and his father becomes embroiled in a scandal involving the teacher.

Eventually, Shanu's true nature is revealed and the town is forced to confront their own prejudices and biases. The series ends on a note of uncertainty, with the characters grappling with the fallout of the events that have transpired and uncertain of what the future holds.

Overall, Rasbhari is a nuanced and complex exploration of sexuality, desire, and social norms in a small town in India. The show is anchored by strong performances from Bhasker and Saxena, who imbue their characters with depth and complexity. The cinematography is stunning, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures of rural India. The writing is taut and engaging, drawing the viewer in and refusing to provide easy answers to the difficult questions it raises.

While the show is not without its flaws - some viewers may find the portrayal of Shanu to be too one-dimensional and overly sexualized - it is nonetheless a powerful and thought-provoking work that will leave a lasting impression on those who watch it. Rasbhari is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complex interplay between desire, tradition, and modernity in contemporary India.

Rasbhari (4K UHD) is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between June 25, 2020 and on Applause